Share This:

This 2,000-square-foot apartment is one of two penthouses in the Vale Niseko, a six-floor residential complex at the base of a ski resort on Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island. The penthouse overlooks Mount Yotei.

This 2,000-square-foot apartment is one of two penthouses in the Vale Niseko, a six-floor residential complex at the base of a ski resort on Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island. The penthouse overlooks Mount Yotei.

The building, completed in late 2009, is positioned for ski-in, ski-out access to the resort. 'You walk out the front door, and the family chair lift is just 35 feet away,' he said. 'Being at the bottom of a gentle beginner's run where children can start learning was a big draw for us.'

The building, completed in late 2009, is positioned for ski-in, ski-out access to the resort. 'You walk out the front door, and the family chair lift is just 35 feet away,' he said. 'Being at the bottom of a gentle beginner's run where children can start learning was a big draw for us.'

There are three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Homeowners can access the Vale's heated pool and ski-storage facilities. The building also has a ski shop, a Japanese-Western fusion restaurant and bar, and a cigar lounge.

There are three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Homeowners can access the Vale's heated pool and ski-storage facilities. The building also has a ski shop, a Japanese-Western fusion restaurant and bar, and a cigar lounge.

The penthouse balcony is 615 square feet and has a six-person Japanese onsen, which is fed by a natural, underground hot spring, the owner said. 'After a long day on the slopes, there's really nothing better than a soak.'

The penthouse balcony is 615 square feet and has a six-person Japanese onsen, which is fed by a natural, underground hot spring, the owner said. 'After a long day on the slopes, there's really nothing better than a soak.'

Besides Christmas and Lunar New Year holidays, the owner said he and his family also visit during the summer. 'The summer scenery is stunning and there's lots to do—golf, hiking, horseback riding, fruit picking.'

Besides Christmas and Lunar New Year holidays, the owner said he and his family also visit during the summer. 'The summer scenery is stunning and there's lots to do—golf, hiking, horseback riding, fruit picking.'

The dining room table was made from salvaged rainforest wood from Australia, according to Jonathan Martin, chairman of Niseko Alpine Developments, the company that developed the Vale. The table seats 10. All of the furniture is included in the sale.

The dining room table was made from salvaged rainforest wood from Australia, according to Jonathan Martin, chairman of Niseko Alpine Developments, the company that developed the Vale. The table seats 10. All of the furniture is included in the sale.

All owners at the Vale have the option of putting their apartment in a rental pool managed by the building, said Mr. Martin. 'About 98% of our owners rent [out their apartments] for most of the year', he added. 'We're already booked full from December through most of March.'

All owners at the Vale have the option of putting their apartment in a rental pool managed by the building, said Mr. Martin. 'About 98% of our owners rent [out their apartments] for most of the year', he added. 'We're already booked full from December through most of March.'

The home has been on the market for nearly a year for 249 million yen ($3.1 million). Grant Mitchell of Niseko Property, who has the listing, said the majority of properties sell over the winter, as it's the busiest season for foreign visitors, who are the main buyers in the area.

The home has been on the market for nearly a year for 249 million yen ($3.1 million). Grant Mitchell of Niseko Property, who has the listing, said the majority of properties sell over the winter, as it's the busiest season for foreign visitors, who are the main buyers in the area.